Expert to Novice...oh, the Freedom!

A month has gone by, finding me focused  on art lessons and that delightful feeling that anything can, and will happen.  Many of you who have been following my art, know that I will explore  mediums while developing my own technique and voice.
A dream opportunity presented itself to me in the form of  art school,  and it did not take me long to gather supplies and put on my novice hat.  Part of my life learning curriculum.
I've committed this year to formal online training through the Milan Art Institute!  So let's move on because I have some interesting lessons to show you

This subtraction and glazing technique was used by the old masters from the Renaissnce through the Baroque period. ​

​ Using tools to remove wet oil paint then when dry adding transparent paint followed by opaque paints to finish.

Btw... the school chooses subject matter to learn from, but I think he's sorta fun.

For the next three months I'll be focusing on drawing and oil painting.  Here's a charcoal portrait...to be followed by my first portrait in oil.

Oil painting is different than the acrylic painting.  Oil paints have linseed oil as a binder in the pigment so it takes at least a day to dry, between layers.  I did not complete this portrait in one day...there were half a dozen sessions, and layers painted, to achieve the finished portrait.
You may notice that paint has been laid down in brush strokes, not blended.  I like that look!

Acrylic paint is synthetic and although I love how it dries quickly, oil paints have a dreamy quality to applying and moving around.

I have one more painting progression to show you.....

This was fun.  I used a graphite pencil to draw my subject on the canvas.  Then I added some yummy thinning medium to my paints and applied to the canvas.  While it was still wet I subtracted the areas of white or light areas, and let dry.

With light areas I can now paint in my dark values and the horse starts emerging.  After this dries I can complete the painting with some warm and cool whites, leaving lots of color to show through.
So, that is a very good start to the year, don't you think!?
Every morning I wake up thinking about what I'll be learning in the studio.
And yes, I still have a life I attend to, but I am fortunate to have Bill as my best critique person, and supporter!

I look forward to sharing more with you next month
Feel free to email me comments.
Blessings,

Patrice